>> Turning now to a major issue,
the covid-19 pandemic field
strain on the mental health care
system and as Christopher
reports, parents have had to
take desperate measures to get
treatment.
It's part of our series.
This report includes discussion
of suicide and depression.
>> Every night, Hannah calls her
mom.
>> Did you eat today?
>> We had spaghetti and
meatballs.
>>, Has been a patient in
Oklahoma since January.
>> When did you notice?
>> Almost immediately.
>> After she was adopted, Hannah
was diagnosed with pcs teeth.
Those conditions were manageable
but got worse when puberty hit.
>> The end of fifth grade moves
when she fell apart.
>> In recent years, Hannah made
multiple suicide attempts.
>> The older, bigger, stronger,
harder it is.
>> Her behaviors became violent?
>> Very much so.
Once you get her calm and
regulated, she is horrified.
>> Lisa says she is safe.
>> She can't access anything,
all the sharps are removed.
>> The goal is to abide
treatments so kids can return
home.
In 2007, the average length
varied.
Lisa says Hannah has made
progress with daily therapy.
>> I am hearing light in her
voice area >> It's been a
difficult journey to get the
treatment she needs.
Like many kids with severe
mental health needs, she cycled
in and out of emergency rooms.
>> Children are children.
>> Dr. Chairs medicine at
Cleveland clinic.
She says more or ending up in
ers.
>> We are not psychiatrists.
We are crisis management.
>> Last year, 42 states had a
severe shortage, nationwide, the
number of abilities fell 30%.
>> She overstayed her welcome.
>> Celeste Ferguson's daughter
has been diagnosed with
depression, anxiety and a mild
intellectual disability.
>> She would find things to
strap around her neck.
She would eat things that are
not food.
This was happening at any
moment.
>> She has been in a holding
pattern for more than 60 days as
her mom searched for long-term
treatment.
>> We are hopeful that a bid
will open.
I think there might be willing.
>> Hope they will be able to
make the transition.
>> Parents have to work with
high costs.
>> Still trying to work off the
debt.
>> The insurance costs I do not
even want to try and estimate.
>> And 2020, when doctors
recommended residential
treatment, the medicaid funding
covered medical care but not
room and board.
They used up their treatment and
Lisa could not afford what was
required.
>> Out of options, she said she
had to accept something
unthinkable.
>> Had to sell to her that we
are doing this because you have
to get help.
>> Kelly has seen other parents
make this choice.
>> I have not seen the frequency
I'm seeing now for those types
of tough choices.
>> In 2021, 12% of children
entered primarily because of
behavioral problems.
>> Absolutely not, we are
supposed to investigate, not be
the ones to try and foster
replacement opportunities.
>> Even with funding, she said
child protection agencies are
struggling to get appropriate
help for kids in need.
>> That's the most heartbreaking
part of this behavior.
>> Hadn't received six months of
residential treatment in child
services, but Lisa says her
mental health regressed when she
was discharged.
>> My naive thought was they
were going to hopefully help her
at the same time.
>> Lisa regained custody but she
says they were back to square
one.
With the shortage of mental
health workers, families make a
series of difficult decisions
when seeking care.
In response, they are hoping
they can reach more kids and
spare some families anguish.
>> We know that serving this
group not only result in better
lives for these children's and
adults, but also improves the
lives of families.
>> Last July, Mike dewine
launched a new program.
>> This program is focused on
young people with complex needs.
Helping them find resources and
receive coordination of care
that allows them to stay in
their home where they live.
>> She heads a Cleveland
nonprofit.
She now runs of high-rise.
>> If child's needs can't be met
community support, the program
funds the treatment.
Those who require treatment
qualify for the program.
Children's this
>> What is the reality on the
ground?
There is not enough therapist,
infrastructure.
>> This is true.
There is not a big enough
workforce to address all of the
clinical needs that exist on the
continuum of care.
It is a crisis.
>> For now, families continue to
grapple with the shortage.
Where does the funding come
from?
>> I don't think twice about it.
It's also opening us up to a
team of people who are
incredibly supportive that we
did not have before.
>> Last year, she did not
hesitate
.
>> I trusted the staff to keep
her safe.
>> Lisa can focus on what comes
next, finding care closer to
home.
For the pbs newshour, I am in
Ohio.